Dodgers' Dirty Dozen, Free-Agent Edition

Now that their quest for the World Series has ended a step short, the Los Angeles Dodgers turn their attention to the various pieces of their roster; those they wish to keep, those they do not want to retain, and those who want to move on.

It isn't common for teams who are in the League Championship Series to turn over half their roster. It is likely the Dodgers will have done that by the time 2009 rolls around.

Starting pitchers Derek Lowe and Greg Maddux are fair bets not to return. People close to Lowe have been dropping hints he feels unappreciated.

No kidding, it's hard appreciating a starting pitcher who more times than not implodes under pressure. Lowe is great as a front-runner with a lead and is locating his pitches. He can be counted on for six to nine games where he just dominates the opposing batters. Too bad it doesn't happen much when the chips are down.

Maddux is a Hall of Famer who's at the end of his effective starting career. There is a chance he could continue as an effective reliever for a few more seasons. A big question is whether he would want to do that. Another possibility would be to have him take over as the Dodgers' pitching coach, so the dead weight known as Rick Honeycutt can be offloaded.

Chan Ho Park and Jason Johnson are long relievers that have experience as starters. Both would like to start next year, whether the Dodgers would want them in that role is questionable. Park made a nice comeback, rediscovering his fastball, but his days as an everyday starter on a contending team have passed. Someplace like Kansas City or Baltimore could be destinations for these two if they insist on starting.

Situational lefty Joe Beimel is a first-time free agent, who has said he would like to return. Keeping a valuable arm like his should be a priority. Beimel also has rehabilitated his reputation after the problems in 2006 which caused him to miss the playoff series against the Mets. Colletti would be less-than-wise to let Beimel get away.

Six different infielders have contracts that have expired. More will leave than stay in Los Angeles.

Third baseman Casey Blake was the quiet flip side to the boisterous Manny Ramirez, who solidified the Dodgers' lineup. His steady play at third and power bat are definite assets that would be most welcome in 2009. The team paid a pretty penny to acquire him; they would do well to make his stay more than a couple-month rental.

Shortstop Rafael Furcal made an impressive return from injury to play in the postseason. His back injury had cost him most of the season and is worrisome. Furcal has also stated his desire to return. An incentive-laden contract would be logical for Los Angeles to offer, given his potential at the top of the lineup.

It isn't easy or cheap to find quality defenders who have speed, hit for average, and have a bit of pop as well—as the team learned when Furcal was forced out of the lineup.

Jeff Kent is a future Hall of Fame second baseman. He is also as cuddly as a porcupine and has caused friction with his younger teammates, among others. His career is at an end, and he knows it. Kent isn't going to hang around for the love of a game he has repeatedly said isn't a passion but offers a very nice paycheck. He will not be greatly missed, as it is now the time for the younger players to step forward.

Reserve Nomar Garciaparra has injury issues that will most likely signal the end of his career. If he decided to come back as a reserve, he should be welcomed with a lower-scale paycheck. Not to be counted as an everyday player may be the tonic his body needs. His ability to play around the infield has value and he can still swing a clutch bat.

That stands in direct opposition to Mark Sweeney, who could not justify his place on the roster with his bat last season. No sober GM would offer cash for that bat next season unless compromising photographs were involved. A coaching career beckons for Sweeney.

Midseason acquisition Pablo Ozuna will most likely be let go, as cheaper alternatives exist in the farm system. He was a surprise to make the postseason roster, as he did not show much of a bat for the Dodgers all year.

That covers 11 free agents, leaving only the braided wonder from left field. Manny Ramirez transformed the Dodgers last season, both on the field and in the clubhouse. The problem is he employs the satanic Scott Boras to represent him. Boras is all about the cash and will happily move his players from city to city for a few dollars more. After all, he doesn't have to live there.

If Ramirez wants to stay, he will need to weigh in—reminding who is representing who—as there is no way the Dodgers can give five-plus years to a player who's defensive shortcomings will increase over time and the National League does not offer the opportunity to keep potent bats as a designated hitter.

The Dodgers have signaled their willingness to pay Ramirez around the same level as Alex Rodriguez. They should not give more than three years but could have a fourth year squeezed out under the right circumstances. There is no logic for a National League team to go beyond that level.

If channeling McCourt's actions, I would retain Blake, Furcal, Beimel, and Ramirez. Reserve roles for Garciaparra and Park would be possible. Last but not least, I would also give Maddux an offer he couldn't refuse to become the next pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.